Democratic Republic of the Congo: Chief of Party, USAID Community Resilience in Central Africa, DRC

Job Title: Chief of Party, USAID Community Resilience in Central Africa
Area of Interest: Community-Based Protection/Community Resilience
Position Type: Full Time
Band: D
FLSA: Exempt
Location: Kinshasa or Goma, with frequent travel to the field (Southeast CAR, northeast DRC)
Reports to: Country Representative, DRC

Job Summary

CRS is currently implementing a large grant supporting grassroots efforts improving community-based protection in LRA-affected areas of CAR and DRC. Contingent on donor funding, this project will inform the development of a new phase of operations with an expanded focus. The main objectives of this new phase are as follows:

1. Communities in targeted areas are able to mitigate and adapt to security and conservation threats.
2. Target communities are enabled to safely pursue pro-conservation livelihoods.
3. Vulnerable populations’ recovery from trauma is facilitated.
4. Key intercommunal conflicts are resolved.
5. Implementation of these objectives is continually informed by ongoing research, analysis, and coordination.

The Chief of Party leads a team to achieve objectives as outlined above. S/he is responsible for overall management and representation of the program. The Chief of Party coordinates technical and operational implementation, including security for the project. A key component of this program is sustainability, thus the Chief of Party is responsible for ensuring effective capacity building and skills transfer is provided to local partners. The Chief of Party will bring expertise and experience in at least two of the following areas: community-based protection, early warning systems, conflict mitigation, asset-based community development, community participation, and conservation.

Job Responsibilities

A. Program Quality

1. With key program staff and stakeholders, ensure program’s strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards.
2. Ensure that vision and plans for the program are innovative and are in line with CRS agency and country program strategies.
3. Oversee periodic technical reviews and manage changes in program direction and focus.
4. In collaboration with program staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that lessons of sound practice are documented and disseminated.
5. Oversee program’s monitoring and evaluation system, using data analysis as the basis for measuring performance. Ensure that M&E learning is incorporated into evolving program plans.
6. Ensure integration of program interventions with other CRS programs or through linkages with other service providers.
7. With program staff, ensure the delivery of quality training, technical assistance and administrative and financial support to all partner agencies, including the selection and coordination of consultants.

B. Management and Administration

1. Manage program budgets, including tracking of financial and material resources.
2. Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program finances and progress status; review actual financial performance against the budget, and explain variances on a regular basis.
3. Ensure staff compliance with all CRS administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations.
4. Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.

C. Representation and Advocacy

1. In collaboration with Country Representatives, act as primary program contact to donor and other local and international stakeholders, responsible for addressing all program matters.
2. In collaboration with Country Representatives, strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies.
3. In collaboration with Country Representatives, oversee program communication strategies, including compliance with donor’s branding and marketing requirements as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.

D. Human Resource Management

1. Lead, manage and supervise a team of CRS and consortium staff to meet program objectives.
2. Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
3. Manage recruitment portfolio for the program, in collaboration with Human Resources and CRS country program management, to ensure optimum service delivery through recruitment of competent and qualified staff.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning

Qualifications and Skills:

1. Minimum Masters Degree in Development Studies, International Relations or related field required.
2. At least 7 years of relevant management, supervisory, and technical experience working with programs related to community-based protection, recovery and/or increased access to information.
3. Experience working in complex projects in DRC and/or CAR similar environments required.
4. Proven experience coordinating with humanitarian actors in emergency contexts
5. Technical expertise in two or more of the following areas: community-based protection, early warning systems, conflict mitigation, asset-based community development, community participation, and conservation.
6. Experience in gender-based analysis and/or social protection interventions for women and children.
7. Minimum 3 years managing significant USG-funded programs required; Knowledge of key USG regulations including, but not limited to: USAID 22 CFR and Part 226 Administration of Assistance Awards to U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations, 22 CFR Part 145 Grants and Agreements with Non-Profits, OMB Circulars A-122, Cost principles for non-profit organizations and A-133 Audit of states, local governments, and non-profits preferred.
8. Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams.
9. Proven experience in building and maintaining institutional linkages required. Public relations skills required.
10. Flexibility to work both in a team and independently.
11. Cultural sensitivity, patience and flexibility.
12. Demonstrated personal accountability and driven to serve others.
13. Understanding of and experience with faith-based organizations, local structures, and accompaniment and capacity-building principles in local partnerships highly desired. Experience with community-based participatory methods.
14. Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required, up to 40%.
15. Excellent English and French language oral and written communication skills required; Knowledge of Sango or other local languages desired.
16. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook required.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

EOE/M/F/D/V

Apply online: http://bit.ly/2ma2lfQ